S02 RFQ - 36C25721Q1379.docx

36C25721Q1379

PAGE 1 OF

1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE

4. ORDER NO.

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY

CODE

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

UNRESTRICTED OR

SET ASIDE:

% FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ

IFB

RFP

15. DELIVER TO

CODE

16. ADMINISTERED BY

CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

DUNS:

DUNS+4:

PHONE:

FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

ITEM NO.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only) 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER) 30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

(REV. 2/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

36C25721Q1379 09-21-2021 Francisco Valentin, Contract Specialist

(915) 217-1251 10-05-2021

2:00 PM

EDT

36C257 Department of Veterans Affairs VHA RPO West - NCO 17 Health Care Resources Branch 1 11495 Turner Road El Paso TX 79936-1372 Francisco Valentin-Rivera - 915-217-1251 francisco.valentin-rivera@va.gov X

621111 $12 Million

NET 30

N/A

36C756 Department of Veterans Affairs El Paso VA Health Care System Specialty 2 Ophthalmology/Optometry 5001 N. Piedras Street El Paso TX 79930-4210 36C257

Same as block # 9.

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center

IAW VAAR 852.232-72

P.O. Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-8971

(877) 353-9791

(512) 460-5540

See CONTINUATION Page On-site Retina Specialty Medical Services at El Paso VA Health Care System in accordance with Performance Work Statement. Authority 38 U.S.C 8153 - Sharing of Health Care Resources.

Period of Performance is:

Base year: 1 January 2022 - 31 December 2022 Option Year 1: 1 January 2023 - 31 December 2023 Option Year 2: 1 January 2024 - 31 December 2024 Option Year 3: 1 January 2025 - 31 December 2025 Option Year 4: 1 January 2026 - 31 December 2026

$0.00

See CONTINUATION Page

Carlos Jaquez

VA-VHA-RPOW-2019-FF13BF55

Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

1. CONTRACTOR (Offerors are required to designate a person for prompt contract administration):

Point of Contact:

Title:

Phone:

Email:

2. GOVERNMENT: The Contracting Officer/Contract Specialist for Administration named below is responsible for the overall administration of the contract.

Email: carlos.jaquez@va.gov

Francisco Valentin-Rivera, Contract Specialist Phone: 915-217-1251 Email: Francisco.Valentin-Rivera@va.gov

The Contractor is advised that only the Contracting Officer, acting within the scope of the contract and his/her duties and responsibilities and, after advice and consultation with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), has the authority to make changes which effect contract prices, quality, quantity, delivery terms and conditions, or the term of the contract.

In no event, shall any understanding or agreement, modification, change order, or other matters in deviation from the terms of this contract between Contractor and a person other than the Contracting Officer, be effective or binding upon the Government. All such actions must be formalized by the proper contractual document executed by the Contracting Officer.

3. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE: Prior to contract award, the Contracting Officer will designate a VA Medical Center employee as COR. All work coordination shall be made through the COR. The Contractor shall be provided a copy of the letter of delegation authorizing the COR at the commencement of the term of this agreement. No other person shall be authorized to act in such capacity unless appointed in writing by the Contracting Officer.

4. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the Contractor will be made in accordance with:

5. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

6. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All invoices from the Contractor shall be electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests. Invoicing shall be in accordance with the requirements of The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Financial Services Center (VAFSC). The latest information shall be used for invoicing and payments and may change during the Period of Performance of this acquisition. Currently Invoicing information is located at http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp.

For inquires only:

Mailing Address: DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Financial Services Center

FMS-VA-2 (621)

P.O. Box 149971 Austin, TX 78714-8971

7. POST AWARD ORIENTATION: The Contracting Officer will schedule a post award orientation for contract orientation purposes as required by VA Acquisition Manual, Part M842.502-70. (If Applicable)

8. SECURE FAX: This fax is intended only for the use of the person or office to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, or protected by law. All other are hereby notified that the receipt of this fax does not waive any applicable privilege or exemption for disclosure and that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is prohibited. If you have received this fax in error, please notify this office immediately at the telephone number listed above.

9. MANDATORY WRITTEN DISCLOSURES: Mandatory written disclosures required by FAR clause 52.203-13 to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General (OIG) must be made electronically through the VA OIG Hotline at http://www.va.gov/oig/contacts/hotline.asp and clicking on "FAR clause 52.203-13 Reporting." If you experience difficulty accessing the website, call the Hotline at 1-800-488-8244 for further instructions.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

(End of Contract Administration Data)

B.2 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

The Contractor shall furnish all personnel to provide services necessary to perform On-site Ophthalmology Retina Specialty Medical Physician(s) Services to eligible beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, El Paso VA Health Care System (hereinafter referred to as VAMC). The Contractor’s physician(s)’ care shall cover the range of Ophthalmology Retina Specialty Medical Services as would be provided in a state-of-the-art civilian medical treatment facility and the standard of care shall be of a quality, meeting or exceeding currently recognized national standards as established by:

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) http://one.aao.org/guidelines-browse

The American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) https://www.asrs.org/

Contract Type:

The contract resulting from this solicitation will be an Indefinite Delivery/ Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), Fixed Price (FP) contract.

Place of Performance:

El Paso VA Health Care System Specialty 2 Ophthalmology/Optometry 5001 N Piedras Street El Paso, TX 79930-4210

Pricing Instructions:

The offeror is instructed to edit the number of Sub-LINs to correspond with the number of key personnel submitted for the line item number (LIN). Offerors shall identify by title/position or level of experience the key personnel submitted. Also, renumber Sub-LINs if adding or removing Key Personnel. Pricing information shall be submitted as a firm-fixed price. The quoted rate shall be submitted as an all-inclusive rate; including such costs as housing and transportation costs, and any other applicable costs included in the all-inclusive rate.

The Contractor shall propose a minimum of two (2) key personnel to be credentialed and be available for scheduling to meet the requirements of the contract.

Estimated Quantities:

The estimated quantities on the Schedule of Services are the yearly projected hours for each contract line item. Contractual minimum and maximum: the guaranteed minimum contract hours, including the base year and any option years exercised, is 64 hours and the maximum contract hours, including the base year and any option years exercised, shall not exceed 6,240 hours. The Government does not guarantee that it will place any orders under this contract in excess of the guaranteed minimum award amounts.

Orders and Ordering Procedures:

The following information is in conformance with FAR 16.504 (a)(4): Written Task Orders shall be placed against this IDIQ contract at the time of contract award, and as needed during the term of the contract. The Task Orders shall specify the estimated quantities of services for the period of performance and shall comply with FAR 52.216-18 and 52.216-19.

Only the Contracting Officer may place task orders against resultant IDIQ contracts following this solicitation. Any changes to the below schedule of services shall only be made via written modification that is formally executed by the Contractor and Contracting Officer.

Note:

As part of price evaluation, the Government will evaluate its option to extend services (see FAR Clause 52.217-8). The evaluation will assume that the prices for any option exercised under FAR 52.217-8 will be at the same rates as those in effect under the contract at the time the option is exercised. The evaluation will therefore assume that the addition of the price or prices of any possible extension or extensions under FAR 52.217-8 to the total price for the basic requirement and the total price for the priced options has the same effect on the total price of all proposals relative to each other, and will not affect the ranking of proposals based on price, unless, after reviewing the proposals, the Government determines that there is a basis for finding otherwise. This evaluation will not obligate the Government to exercise any option under FAR 52.217-8.

Period of Performance:

Base Year: January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022

Annual Cost

KEY PERSONNEL

NAME:____________

TITLE:____________

NAME:____________

TITLE:____________

Option Year 1: January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023

Annual Cost

KEY PERSONNEL

NAME: ____________

TITLE: ____________

Option Year 2: January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024

Annual Cost

KEY PERSONNEL

Option Year 3: January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025

Annual Cost

KEY PERSONNEL

Option Year 4: January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026

Annual Cost

KEY PERSONNEL

Total for Base Year and all Option Years: $_______________________

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1. GENERAL

1.1. Services Provided: The Contractor shall provide Board Certified /Board Eligible on-site Retina Specialty Medical Services in accordance with the specifications contained herein to beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the El Paso VA Health Care System, Specialty 2 Ophthalmology/Optometry.

1.2. Place of Performance: Contractor shall furnish services at the El Paso VA Health Care System, Specialty 2 Ophthalmology/Optometry, 5001 N. Piedras Street, El Paso, TX 79930-4210.

1.3. Authority: Title 38 USC 8153, Health Care Resources (HCR) sharing Authority, FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items, and VAAR 873 Simplified Acquisition Procedures for Health Care Resources.

1.4. Policy/Handbooks: The contractor shall be subject to the following policies, including any subsequent updates during the period of performance.

1.4.1. VHA Handbook 1100.17: National Practitioner Data Bank Reports, https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2135

1.4.2. VHA Handbook 1100.18: Reporting And Responding To State Licensing Boards, https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9174

1.4.3. VHA Handbook 1100.19: Credentialing and Privileging, https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2910

1.4.4. VHA Handbook 1121.01: Eye Care, https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8525

1.4.5. VHA Directive 1907.01: Health Information Management and Health Records, https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9235

1.4.6. VHA Directive 1003.04: VHA Patient Advocacy, https://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5970

1.4.7. VHA Directive 1088: Communicating Test Results to Providers and Patients, https://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3148

1.4.8. VHA Directive 1192.01: Seasonal Influenza Prevention Program, https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8948

1.4.9. VHA Directive 1220(1): Facility Procedure Complexity Designation Requirements to Perform Invasive Procedures in Any Clinical Setting:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8365

1.4.10. VA Directive 1663: Health Care Resources Contracting – Buying, https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=969&FType=2

1.4.11. VHA Directive 2012-030 Credentialing of Health Care Professionals: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2815

1.4.12. Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) as amended, http://www.justice.gov/oip/foia_updates/Vol_XVII_4/page2.htm

1.5. Definitions/Acronyms: Terms used in this contract shall be interpreted as follows unless the context expressly requires a different construction and/or interpretation. In case of a conflict in language between the Definitions and other sections of this contract, the language in this section shall govern.

AAO: American Academy of Ophthalmology, http://www.aao.org/ ABO: American Board of Ophthalmology, https://abop.org/ ACGME: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education ACLS: Advanced Cardiac Life Support ASRS: American Society of Retina Specialist, https://www.asrs.org BLS: Basic Life Support CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDR: Contract Discrepancy Report CEU: Certified Education Unit CME: Continuing Medical Education CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services CO: Contracting Officer executing this contract on behalf of the Government with the authority to enter into and administer contracts and make related determinations and findings.

COR: Contracting Officer’s Representative appointed by the CO to take necessary action to ensure the Contractor performs in accordance with and adheres to the specifications contained in the contract and to protect the interest of the Government. The COR shall report to the CO promptly any indication of non-compliance in order that appropriate action can be taken.

COS: Chief of Staff CPARS: Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System Credentialing: Credentialing is the systematic process of screening and evaluating qualification and other credentials, including licensure, required education, relevant training and experience and current competence and health status.

DEA: Drug Enforcement Agency ED: Emergency Department EHR: Electronic Health Record - electronic health record system used by the VA FTE: Full Time Equivalent, VA’s definition for full time - working the equivalent of 80 hours every two weeks, 2080 hours per year. In calculating FTE, any hours not worked on national holidays shall not be included.

HHS: Department of Health and Human Services HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act HR: Human Resources ISO: Information Security Officer Medical Emergency: A sudden onset of a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably result in: Permanently placing a patient's health in jeopardy, causing other serious medical consequences, causing impairments to body functions, or causing serious or permanent dysfunction of any body-organ or part.

NPI: National Provider Identifier is a standard, unique 10-digit numeric identifier required by HIPAA. The Veterans Health Administration must use NPIs in all HIPAA - standard electronic transactions for individual (health care practitioners) and organizational entities (medical centers).

NLNAC: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, https://cnea.nln.org Non-Contract Provider: Any person, organization, agency, or entity that is not directly or indirectly employed by the Contractor or any of its subcontractors.

NP: Nurse Practitioner NPPES: National Plan and Provider Enumeration System PA: Physician Assistant POP: Period of Performance PPD: Purified Protein Derivative PWS: Performance Work Statement Privileging (Clinical Privileging): Privileging is the process by which a practitioner, licensed for independent practice; e.g., without supervision, direction, required sponsor, preceptor, mandatory collaboration, etc.; is permitted by law and the facility to practice independently, to provide specific medical or other patient care services within the scope of the individual’s license, based upon the individual’s clinical competence as determined by peer references, professional experience, health status, education, training and licensure. Clinical privileges must be facility-specific and provider-specific.

QA/QI: Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement QM/PI: Quality Management/Performance Improvement QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan VHA: Veterans Health Administration is the central office for administration of the VA medical centers through throughout the United States. The VHA is located in Washington, D.C.

VISN: Veterans Integrated Services Network is the regional oversight for the VA medical centers.

VISTA: Veterans Integrated Systems Technology Architecture is a PC based system that will capture and store clinical imagery, scanned documents and other non-textual data files and integrates them into patient’s medical record and with the hospital information system.

VetPro: A federal web-based credentialing program for healthcare providers.

VAMC (Veterans Affairs Medical Center): Unless identified with the name of a different VA Medical Center, for purposes of this contract, this term shall mean the El Paso VA Health Care System, Specialty 2 Ophthalmology/Optometry.

2. QUALIFICATIONS

2.1. Staff/Facility:

2.1.1. License: The Contractor’s physician(s) assigned by the Contractor to perform the services covered by this contract shall have a current license to practice medicine in any State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia when services are performed onsite on VA property. All licenses held by the personnel working on this contract shall be full and unrestricted licenses. Contractor’s physician(s) who have current, full and unrestricted licenses in one or more states, but who have, or ever had, a license restricted, suspended, revoked, voluntarily revoked, voluntarily surrendered pending action or denied upon application will not be considered for the purposes of this contract.

2.1.2. Board Certification: All contractor’s physician(s) shall be Board Certified /Board Eligible by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) https://abop.org/, and be currently certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). All continuing education courses required for maintaining certification must be kept up to date at all times. Documentation verifying current certification shall be provided by the Contractor to the VA COR on an annual basis for each year of contract performance.

2.1.3. Technical Proficiency: Contractor’s physician(s) shall be technically proficient in the skills necessary to fulfill the government’s requirements, including the ability to speak, understand, read and write English fluently. Contractor shall provide documents upon request to the CO/COR to verify current and ongoing competency, skills, certification and/or licensure related to the provision of care, treatment and/or services performed. Contractor shall provide verifiable evidence of all educational and training experiences including any gaps in educational history for all contractor’s physician(s) shall be responsible for abiding by the Facility's Medical Staff By-Laws, rules, and regulations (referenced herein) that govern medical staff behavior.

2.1.3.1. Resume/curriculum vitae: Contractor shall provide a resume/curriculum vitae for qualified physician(s). Resumes should document current and previous experience in providing medical Retina services. Physician(s) shall have been practicing medical Retina ophthalmic care within the last 12 months. The resume must include three (3) references (name, address, capacity, telephone) including the current or last supervisor.

2.1.3.2. Sub-specialized Training: Contractor’s physician(s) shall be sub-specialized in diseases and surgery of the vitreous body of the eye and the retina. This subspecialty is sometimes known as vitreoretinal medicine. Contractor’s physician(s) shall provide a copy of vitreoretinal medicine training certification.

2.1.3.2.1. Contractor’s physician(s) shall have at a minimum 1 year of a Retina-Vitreous fellowship.

2.1.3.3. In-office procedure to treat Retinal Diseases: Contractor’s physician(s) shall perform the following treatments for treating veterans with retinal diseases:

2.1.3.3.1. Micro-pulse laser therapy: This treatment is an advanced laser that allows the retinal tissue to cool between laser pulses. This is very effective in sparing tissue and vision while treating many retinopathies. Lasers are most commonly used for treatment of diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, vein occlusion, retinal tears, and early retinal detachment. When treating with the micro-pulse laser, the patient may have dim vision for a minimal time following treatment. The eye may be patched for a few hours after laser, and a driver is recommended.

2.1.3.3.2. Photodynamic Therapy: This treatment is occasionally used for patients with wet macular degeneration in which abnormal blood vessels cause fluid to leak beneath the retina. During photodynamic therapy (PDT), a medication called visudyne is injected into the patient’s bloodstream and eventually collects within the abnormal blood vessels. A laser is used to activate the visudyne, causing destruction of the abnormal blood vessels without damaging surrounding tissue. This treatment can also be used for patients with central serous chorioretinopathy. Once treatment has been completed, the patient is advised to wear long-sleeved clothing, a hat, and sunglasses. This type of treatment does cause sunlight sensitivity for up to 5 days.

2.1.3.3.3. Panretinal Photocoagulation: This is a laser that is used to treat a variety of eye conditions. Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) laser is most often used to reduce or eliminate the growth of abnormal blood vessels, thereby decreasing the risk of a vitreous hemorrhage or a retinal detachment. The treatment cannot restore vision that has already been lost, but it can reduce the risk of vision loss, a major complication of retinal diseases. The procedure is performed using a local anesthetic. After the laser has been performed, patients will need a driver to take them home. Vision will be blurry due to dilation, and you may experience mild pain for a day or two.

2.1.3.3.4. Intravitreal Injections: Intravitreal injections are commonly used to treat retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal vein occlusion. Intravitreal injections are a very effective and minimally invasive procedure. Common injections used are anti-VEGF therapies (Avastin, Eylea, Lucentis) that can reduce swelling in the macula and suppress the growth of abnormal blood vessels, preventing further vision loss. Many of these injections are given on a continual basis. Other injections may include corticosteroids (Dexamethasone, Ozurdex, Triesence, Triamcinolone, Kenalog) to reduce inflammation and treat conditions such as macular edema. This procedure is done in-office and only requires topical anesthesia. The eye is cleaned with an antiseptic solution, and then the eye is held open with a wire speculum. The medication is injected directly into the eye. Patients may experience some slight discomfort after treatment and may see floaters in their vision for a few days.

2.1.3.3.5. Yag laser capsulotomy: This treatment may be used if a patient has developed a clouding of the capsule behind the intraocular lens following cataract surgery. The clouding of the capsule can cause an increase in glare or decrease in visual acuity. This procedure is generally painless and only local anesthesia is used. The doctor places a lens on the eye and directs the laser beam at the cloudy capsule, creating a small hole in it to clear the vision.

2.1.3.3.6. Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy is used to treat retinal tears, early retinal detachments, tumors, vascular lesions, and different retinopathies. This procedure is very similar to a laser treatment and consists of transmitting freezing temperatures to the retina by use of a small probe on the exterior surface of the eye. The intense cold can seal retinal tears and leaking retinal blood vessels. Vision may be blurred, and some discomfort is expected after this procedure. The eye will be patched for a number of hours. Healing time typically takes about 2 weeks.

2.1.4. Credentialing and Privileging: Credentialing and privileging is to be done in accordance with the provisions of VHA Handbook 1100.19 referenced above. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that proposed physician(s) possesses the requisite credentials enabling the granting of privileges. No services shall be provided by any contractor’s physician(s) prior to obtaining approval by the El Paso VA Health Care System, Specialty 2 Ophthalmology/Optometry, 5001 N. Piedras Street, El Paso, TX 79930-4210 Professional Standards Board, Medical Executive Board and Medical Center Director.

2.1.4.1. If a contractor’s physician(s) is not credentialed and privileged or has credentials/privileges suspended or revoked, the Contractor shall furnish an acceptable substitute without any additional cost to the government.

2.1.5. Continuing Medical Education (CME)/ Certified Education Unit (CEU) Requirements: Contractor shall provide the COR copies of current CMEs as required or requested by the VAMC. Contractor’s physician(s) registered or certified by national/medical associations shall continue to meet the minimum standards for CME to remain current. Contractor shall report CME hours to the credential’s office for tracking. These documents are required for both privileging and re-privileging. Failure to provide shall result in loss of privileges for contract physician(s).

2.1.6. Training (ACLS, BLS, EHR and VA MANDATORY): Contractor shall meet all VA educational requirements and mandatory course requirements defined herein; all training must be completed by the contractor’s physician(s) as required by the VA. Other training may become required. VA will communicate any changes to the training requirement to the contractor.

2.1.7. Standard Personnel Testing (PPD, etc.): Contractor shall provide proof of the following tests for physicians within five (5) calendar days after contract award and prior to the first duty shift to the COR and Contracting Officer. Tests shall be current within the past year and these are applicable to all health care workers.

2.1.7.1. TUBERCULOSIS TESTING: Contractor shall provide proof of a negative Tuberculosis Skin Test (TST) or Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRA) for all Contractor’s physician (s). A negative chest radiographic report for active tuberculosis shall be provided in cases of positive TST or IGRA results. The TST or IGRA testing shall be repeated annually.

2.1.7.2. MEASLES, MUMPS, & RUBELLA TESTING: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all Contractor physicians.

2.1.7.3. VARICELLA: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all Contractor physicians.

2.1.7.4. ACELLULAR PERTUSSIS: Contractors shall provide proof of one (1) dose of Tdap vaccination for all Contractor physicians.

2.1.7.5. INFLUENZA: Contractors shall provide proof that all Contractor physicians have received the annual Influenza vaccine unless it is contraindicated. If the Contractor physician has a medical contraindication to the vaccine, they shall be required to wear a mask during the Influenza season.

2.1.7.6. OSHA REGULATION CONCERNING OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS: Contractor shall provide evidence of completing and passing generic self-study blood-borne pathogen training for all Contractor’s physician(s); provide their own Hepatitis B vaccination series and Hepatitis B surface antigen test results following the Hepatitis B vaccination series; maintain an exposure determination and control plan; maintain required records; and ensure that proper follow-up evaluation is provided following an exposure incident.

2.1.7.7. The VAMC shall notify the Contractor of any significant communicable disease exposures as appropriate. Contractor shall adhere to current CDC/HICPAC Guideline for Infection Control in health care personnel (as published in American Journal for Infection Control - AJIC 1998; 26:289-354 http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/InfectControl98.pdf) for disease control. Contractor shall provide follow up documentation of clearance to return to the workplace prior to their return.

2.1.8. National Provider Identifier (NPI): NPI is a standard, unique 10-digit numeric identifier required by HIPAA. The Veterans Health Administration must use NPIs in all HIPAA-standard electronic transactions for individual (health care practitioners) and organizational entities (medical centers). The Contractor shall have or obtain appropriate NPI and if pertinent the Taxonomy Code confirmation notice issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) be provided to the Contracting Officer with the proposal.

2.1.9. DEA: Contractor shall provide copy of current DEA certificate.

2.1.10. Conflict of Interest: The Contractor and all contractor’s physician(s) are responsible for identifying and communicating to the CO and COR conflicts of interest at the time of proposal and during the entirety of contract performance. At the time of proposal, the Contractor shall provide a statement which describes, in a concise manner, all relevant facts concerning any past, present, or currently planned interest (financial, contractual, organizational, or otherwise) or actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest relating to the services to be provided. The Contractor shall also provide statements containing the same information for any identified consultants or subcontractors who shall provide services. The Contractor must also provide relevant facts that show how it’s organizational and/or management system or other actions would avoid or mitigate any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest. These statements shall be in response to the VAAR provision 852.209-70 Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCT 2020) and fully outlined in response to the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

2.1.11. Citizenship related Requirements:

2.1.11.1. The Contractor certifies that the Contractor shall comply with any and all legal provisions contained in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended; its related laws and regulations that are enforced by Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S Department of Labor as these may relate to non-immigrant foreign nationals working under contract or subcontract for the Contractor while providing services to Department of Veterans Affairs patient referrals.

2.1.11.2. While performing services for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Contractor shall not knowingly employ, contract or subcontract with an illegal alien; foreign national non-immigrant who is in violation their status, as a result of their failure to maintain or comply with the terms and conditions of their admission into the United States. Additionally, the Contractor is required to comply with all “E-Verify” requirements consistent with “Executive Order 12989” and any related pertinent Amendments, as well as applicable Federal Acquisition Regulations.

2.1.11.3. If the Contractor fails to comply with any requirements outlined in the preceding paragraphs or its Agency regulations, the Department of Veterans Affairs may, at its discretion, require that the foreign national who failed to maintain their legal status in the United States or otherwise failed to comply with the requirements of the laws administered by Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S Department of Labor, shall be prohibited from working at the Contractor’s place of business that services Department of Veterans Affairs patient referrals; or other place where the Contractor provides services to veterans who have been referred by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and shall form the basis for termination of this contract for breach.

2.1.11.4. This certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an agency of the United States and the making of a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the maker subject to prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001.

2.1.11.5. The Contractor agrees to obtain a similar certification from its subcontractors. The certification shall be made as part of the offerors response to the Request for Quote (RFQ) using the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

2.1.12. Annual Office of Inspector General (OIG) Statement: In accordance with HIPAA and the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1977, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) has established a list of parties and entities excluded from Federal health care programs. Specifically, the listed parties and entities may not receive Federal Health Care program payments due to fraud and/or abuse of the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

2.1.12.1. Therefore, Contractor shall review the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities on the HHS OIG web site at https://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov to ensure that the proposed contractor’s physician(s) are not listed. Contractor should note that any excluded individual or entity that submits a claim for reimbursement to a Federal health care program, or causes such a claim to be submitted, may be subject to a Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) for each item or service furnished during a period that the person was excluded and may also be subject to treble damages for the amount claimed for each item or service. CMP’s may also be imposed against the Contractor that employ or enter into contracts with excluded individuals to provide items or services to Federal program beneficiaries.

2.1.12.2. By submitting their proposal, the Contractor certifies that the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities has been reviewed and that the Contractors are and/or firm is not listed as of the date the offer/bid was signed.

2.2. Clinical/Professional Performance: The qualifications of Contractor personnel are subject to review by VA Medical Center COS or his/her clinical designee and approval by the Medical Center Director as provided in VHA Handbook 1100.19. Clinical/Professional performance monitoring and review of all clinical personnel covered by this contract for quality purposes will be provided by the VAMC COS and/or the Chief of the Service or his designee. A clinical COR may be appointed, however, only the CO is authorized to consider any contract modification request and/or make changes to the contract during the administration of the resultant contract.

2.3. Non-Personal Healthcare Services: The parties agree that the Contractor and all contractor’s physician(s) shall not be considered VA employees for any purpose.

2.4. Indemnification: The Contractor shall be liable for, and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Government against, all actions or claims for loss of or damage to property or the injury or death of persons, arising out of or resulting from the fault, negligence, or act or omission of the Contractor, its agents, or employees.

2.5. Prohibition against Self-Referral: Contractor’s physicians are prohibited from referring VA patients to contractor’s or their own practice(s).

2.6. Inherent Government Functions: Contractor and Contractor’s physician(s) shall not perform inherently governmental functions. This includes, but is not limited to, determination of agency policy, determination of Federal program priorities for budget requests, direction and control of government employees (outside a clinical context), selection or non-selection of individuals for Federal Government employment including the interviewing of individuals for employment, approval of position descriptions and performance standards for Federal employees, approving any contractual documents, approval of Federal licensing actions and inspections, and/or determination of budget policy, guidance, and strategy.

2.7. No Employee status: The Contractor shall be responsible for protecting Contractor’s physician(s) furnishing services. To carry out this responsibility, the Contractor shall provide or certify that the following is provided for all their staff providing services under the resultant contract:

2.7.1. Workers’ compensation

2.7.2. Professional liability insurance

2.7.3. Health examinations

2.7.4. Income tax withholding

2.7.5. Social security payments

2.8. Tort Liability: The Federal Tort Claims Act does not cover Contractor or contract physician(s). When a Contractor or contractor’s physician(s) has been identified as a provider in a tort claim, the Contractor shall be responsible for notifying their legal counsel and/or insurance carrier. Any settlement or judgment arising from a Contractor’s (or contract physician(s)) action or non-action shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and/or insurance carrier.

2.9. Key Personnel:

2.9.1. The VA Full Time Equivalency (FTE): FTE is defined by VA as a minimum of 80 hours every two weeks and does not include holidays.

2.9.2. The minimum number of Board Certified /Board Eligible Ophthalmology physicians required to be on site on a daily basis is one (1) as defined in paragraph 3.1 VA Business Hours.

2.9.3. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing coverage to the VA during periods of vacancies of the Contractor’s personnel due to sick leave, personal leave, vacations and additional coverage as required. In the event a scheduled physician is unable to complete an assigned shift, the contractor shall provide replacement physician coverage within one (1) day and notify the Contracting Office Representative (COR) at the El Paso VA Health Care System, Specialty 2 Ophthalmology/Optometry immediately of the schedule change.

2.9.4. Personnel Substitutions: During the first ninety (90) calendar days of performance, the Contractor shall make NO substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the CO, in writing, within two (2) calendar day(s) after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required below. After 90 days, the Contractor shall submit the information required below to the CO at least 30 calendar days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

2.9.4.1. The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the CO. Proposed substitutes shall have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The CO will notify the Contractor within 30 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on the proposed substitutes. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

2.9.4.2. For temporary substitutions where the key person shall not be reporting to work for two (2) consecutive workdays or more, the Contractor shall provide a qualified replacement for the key person. The substitute shall have comparable qualifications to the key person. Any period exceeding two weeks will require the procedure as stated above.

2.9.4.3. The Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of any Contractor personnel at any time after performance begins, if personal or professional conduct jeopardizes patient care or interferes with the regular and ordinary operation of the facility. Breaches of conduct include intoxication or debilitation resulting from drug use, theft, patient abuse, dereliction or negligence in performing directed tasks, or other conduct resulting in formal complaints by patient or other staff members to designated Government representatives. Standards for conduct shall mirror those prescribed by current federal personnel regulations. Should the VA COS or designee show documented clinical problems or continual unprofessional behavior/actions with any Contractor’s physician(s), she/he may request, without cause, immediate replacement of said Contractor’s physician(s). The CO and COR shall deal with issues raised concerning Contractor’s physician(s) conduct. The final arbiter on questions of acceptability is the CO.

2.9.4.4. Contingency Plan: Because continuity of care is an essential part of VAMC’s medical services, the Contractor shall have a contingency plan in place to be utilized if the Contractor’s physician(s) leaves Contractor’s employment or is unable to continue performance in accordance with the terms and conditions of the resulting contract.

3. VA HOURS OF OPERATION/SCHEDULING

3.1. VA Business Hours: El Paso VA Health Care System, Specialty 2 Ophthalmology/Optometry workday required Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:00 am to 4:45 pm.

3.1.1. Patients must be seen by a contractor’s physician(s) on-site at El Paso VA Healthcare System, Specialty 2 Ophthalmology/Optometry in a timely manner in accordance with VA Rules and Regulations on clinic wait times and consult completion. Contractor shall notify the COR at least monthly about any obstacles to meeting this performance measure.

3.1.2. Contractor’s physician(s) shall be available and present in clinic during normal El Paso VA Healthcare System, Specialty 2 Ophthalmology/Optometry hours which will be established, and may be revised, as deemed appropriate for patient care by the Chief of Staff. Currently, normal clinic hours are from 8:00 am to 4:45 pm.

3.1.3. All shifts will include a 45-minute meal break, and two 15-minute breaks based on workload and staffing. The Government will not pay for the 45 minutes meal break.

3.1.4. Off-hours Coverage: Not Applicable.

3.2. Federal Holidays: The following holidays are observed by the Department of Veterans Affairs:

· New Year’s Day

· President’s Day

· Martin Luther King’s Birthday

· Memorial Day

· Juneteenth Day

· Independence Day

· Labor Day

· Columbus Day

· Veterans Day

· Thanksgiving

· Christmas

· Any day specifically declared to be a national holiday.

3.3. Cancellations: The Contractor shall be responsible for providing coverage to the VA during periods of vacancies of the Contractor’s personnel due to sick leave, personal leave, vacations and additional coverage as required. In the event a scheduled physician is unable to complete an assigned shift, the contractor shall provide replacement physician coverage within one (1) day prior to the procedure and notify the Contracting Office Representative (COR) at the El Paso VA Health Care System immediately of the schedule change.

3.3.1. Unless a state of emergency has been declared, the Contractor shall be responsible for providing services.

4. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

4.1. Clinical Personnel Required: The Contractor shall provide contractor’s physician(s) who are competent, qualified per this performance work statement and adequately trained…